Evoking the life of Don Roberto at BOOKMARK
Perthshire-based author Jamie Jauncey will be appearing in Blairgowrie early next month as part of the build-up to the BOOKMARK festival in the town later this year ... writes Clare Damodaran.
Jauncey, who recently spoke at the Borders Book Festival, will be at the St Catherine’s Centre on Wednesday, August 2, to talk about Don Roberto, one of the most flamboyant characters of recent Scottish history.
Don Roberto – or RB Cunninghame Graham – an ancestor of Jauncey, was a laird, horseman and adventurer who co-founded the Scottish Labour Party and later became founding president of the SNP.
He was also fêted as one of the finest writers of his day and was an early champion of freedom of speech.
Jauncey himself was born in Perthshire but raised in Edinburgh’s New Town. His family later moved back to Perthshire, and he went to read law at Aberdeen University, before working as a journalist and magazine publisher.
A former board member of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, he grew up with stories from the extraordinary life of his flamboyant great-great-uncle, famously known as Don Roberto.
Jamie’s talk weaves together tales from Don Roberto’s remarkable life, with a look at the role mythical family figures play in people’s lives.
Chair of the BOOKMARK festival Janey Lambie is looking forward to what promises to be an entertaining evening.
She said: “We’re very excited that Jamie has agreed to come to Blairgowrie and talk about his ancestor Don Roberto.
“It looks set to be a wonderful evening with some marvellous tales to be told of this Scottish adventurer, who has been largely forgotten despite his colourful life and the role he played in starting two of Scotland’s biggest political parties.
“Don Roberto would have delighted in the growth of book festivals as places for the exchange of stories and ideas and we’re delighted to have Jamie here as part of BOOKMARK.”
Tickets for this event are £7, which includes a glass of wine, and are available now from Rhona Christie on 01250 875613.
The fifth annual BOOKMARK festival takes place at Blairgowrie Community Campus on October 6 and October 7.
Tickets are available now from Blairgowrie Library, telephone 01250 871305, Waterstones in Perth, telephone 01738 630013 or online at www.bookmarkblair.com.
There will also be an opportunity to purchase tickets for the festival in October at the event in August.
He was feted as one of the finest writers of his day and a champion of free speech